System for improving the stability of a trampoline

ABSTRACT

A system for improving the stability of a trampoline, including a trampoline frame having a sidebar assembly having a top rail and a leg stub disposed parallel to the top rail, wherein the top rail is welded at one or more locations along the parallel traversing portion of the leg stub. Corner members attach adjacent top rails. Leg members attach adjacent leg stubs of adjacent sidebar assemblies. Forces exerted by use of the trampoline are distributed across the several welds along the top rail, rather than at a single butt weld at the leg stub.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

The present application is a continuation-in-part of prior United Statesnon-provisional application Ser. No. 11/269,915, filed Nov. 7, 2005,which claims the benefit of prior U.S. provisional Application No.60/626,008, filed Nov. 8, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to trampolines, and more particularly,to an improved frame for supporting the bouncing surface of atrampoline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, trampolines are circular, rectangular, or square in shape.Trampolines are typically constructed with a frame having a top railthat encompasses a mat. The mat is typically attached to the top rail ofthe frame using a number of extension springs. The frame, springs, andmat are elevated off the ground by attaching legs to the top rail. Thelegs are typically a straight piece of pipe with a foot end cap to makecontact with the ground. A tube or pipe is typically welded to the toprail at each location to receive a leg. The legs are attached to theframe by inserting into the welded tube or pipe. This allows for flexingand movement of the trampoline when jumping on the trampoline. Theseforces exerted by using the trampoline are concentrated on the weldjoints holding the pipes that are holding the legs, effectively creatingsingle points of strain. In some cases, the forces created by theflexing and movement of the trampoline causes one or more of these weldjoints to break apart, separating the leg from the trampoline. Suchfailure of the trampoline frame may result in injuries or cause aproduct recall of the trampoline.

The present invention avoids design defects caused by single points ofstrain by distributing the transfer of trampoline forces to the legsthrough multiple points in a linear fashion. The present inventionreduces the opportunity for frame failure while maintaining the desiredflexing, movement, and stability of the trampoline.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to trampolines, and more particularly,to an improved frame for supporting the bouncing surface of atrampoline.

Provided is a trampoline system comprising a plurality of sidebarassemblies, each said sidebar assembly having a top rail having a firstend and a second end, each sidebar assembly further having a leg stubhaving a first end and a second end, and a plurality of leg members,with each leg member having a first end and a second end. Each first endof the leg members attach to a first end of a first leg stub and eachsecond end of the leg members attach to a second end of a second legstub. Each first end of the top rails connects to a second end of asecond top rail.

Also provided is a trampoline frame comprising a plurality of sidebarassemblies, each sidebar assembly comprising a top rail having a firstend and a second end, and a leg stub having a first end and a secondend. A portion of the leg stub is parallel to the axial direction of thetop rail. The leg stub is affixed to the top rail at least partiallyalong said portion that is parallel to the leg stub.

Further provided is a trampoline frame comprising a plurality of sidebarassemblies, a plurality of leg members, and a plurality of cornermembers. The sidebar assemblies each comprise a top rail having a firstend and a second end and a leg stub having a first end and a second end.A portion of the leg stub is affixed to the top rail at least partiallyalong a portion of the leg stub that is parallel to the axial directionof the top rail. The leg members each have a first end and a second end.Each first end of the leg members attach to a first end of a first legstub and each second end of the leg members attach to a second end of asecond leg stub. The corner members each have a first end and a secondend. Each first end of the top rails attaches to a first end of a firstcorner member, and each second end of the top rails attach to a secondend of a second corner member.

The sidebar assembly has a top rail and a leg stub welded togetheradjacent to each other, with an object of providing double strength. Theleg stub is bent at both ends to an approximate ninety-degree turndown.This allows the leg members of the trampoline to be inserted into thebent end portion of the leg stubs, instead of to a single-point weldedstub. The leg member then connects across the corner of the trampolineto the next sidebar assembly, and continues in such manner until allfour sides are connected together. After all four leg members areinserted, four swaged corner members are inserted into the top rails ofthe sidebar assemblies, completing the perimeter of the frame. Thetrampoline frame of the present invention provides a continuousconnection from one sidebar assembly to the next sidebar assemblythrough the leg members and corner members, resulting in improvedstability of the trampoline.

Also provided is a method of constructing a trampoline system having aplurality of sidebar assemblies, a plurality of leg members, and aplurality of corner members, the method comprising the steps of:connecting each leg member to a first sidebar assembly and a secondsidebar assembly, thereby connecting each pair of adjacent sidebarassemblies and connecting the last sidebar assembly to the first sidebarassembly; connecting each corner member to a first sidebar assembly anda second sidebar assembly, thereby securing each pair of adjacentsidebar assemblies and securing the last sidebar assembly to the firstsidebar assembly; and attaching each of a plurality of springs to thesidebar assemblies and to a mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the trampoline frame of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trampoline frame with mat andpadding installed of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of the sidebar of the trampolineframe of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the leg of the trampoline frame of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the corner member of the trampoline frame ofthe present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

The following elements are numbered as described in the drawings anddetailed description of the invention: 1 sidebar 2 top rail 3 leg stub 4weld points 5 leg member 6 corner member 7 mat 8 mat springs 9 pad 16swaged end 26 setback hole

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the trampoline frameof the present invention. As illustrated for an approximatelyrectangular-shaped trampoline, there are four sidebar assemblies 1, onefor each side of the trampoline. Sidebar assembly 1 is generallyhorizontal. Sidebar assembly 1, which is further detailed in FIG. 3, hasa top rail 2 and leg stub 3. Top rail 2 and leg stub 3 comprise one ormore of pipes, tubes, channels, conduit or other similar framematerials.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the components of the trampolineframe, including top rail 2 and leg stub 3, are made of 1.990-inchdiameter, 11-gauge pipe material having a 0.220-inch wall thickness. Todelay corrosion, the pipes may be galvanized flash-coated on the outsidediameter and otherwise zinc coated on the inside diameter. Such pipe maybe acquired from a variety of sources, including the Allied Tube &Conduit business unit of Tyco Electrical & Metal Products, 16100 S.Lathrop Avenue Harvey, Ill. 60426-6021 USA.

Top rail 2 is generally linear or otherwise conforming to the desiredshape of a portion of the circumference of the trampoline. Asillustrated, top rail 2 is positioned as a pipe with horizontal ends.Leg stub 3 is generally linear or otherwise conforming to the shape ofthe mid section of top rail 2. The ends of leg stub 3 bend away from themid section of leg stub 3, preferably at approximately a ninety-degreeangle. Leg stub 3 is positioned generally parallel and adjacent to toprail 2. Weld points 4 affix top rail 2 to leg stub 3, generally alongthe mid sections of top rail 2 and leg stub 3 where top rail 2 and legstub 3 are generally linear or conforming in shape. Weld points 4 may beany of a variety of weld or affixing methods, such as spot welds, seamweld, bead weld, normal weld, temper weld, and the like. Leg member 5comprises a pipe, tube, channel, conduit or another, similar framematerial having a mid section and two ends, each end of leg member 5bending away from the general longitudinal axial direction of the midsection of leg member 5, preferably at an approximately ninety-degreeangle. One end of a first leg member 5 fits securely into a first end ofa first leg stub 3 and the second end of first leg member 5 fitssecurely into a first end of a second leg stub 3.

Corner member 6 is a pipe, tube, channel, conduit or similar framematerial having two ends. Corner member 6 generally conforms to theshape of a portion of the circumference of the trampoline disposedbetween two adjacent top rails 2. One end of a first corner member 6fits securely into a first end of a first top rail 2, and the second endof first corner member 6 fits securely into a first end of a second toprail 2. The two adjacent sidebar assemblies 1 are secured to each otherby this connection of leg member 5 and corner member 6 to theirrespective ends of top rail 2 and leg stub 3.

The other sidebar assemblies 1 are secured in a like manner to completeconstruction of the trampoline frame.

One end of a second leg member 5 fits securely into the second end ofthe second leg stub 3, and the second end of second leg member 5 fitssecurely into a first end of a third leg stub 3. One end of a secondcorner member 6 fits securely into the second end of the second top rail2, and the second end of second corner member 6 fits securely into afirst end of third top rail 2.

Likewise, one end of a third leg member 5 fits securely into the secondend of the third leg stub 3, and the second end of third leg member 5fits securely into a first end of a fourth leg stub 3. One end of athird corner member 6 fits securely into the second end of the third toprail 2, and the second end of third corner member 6 fits securely into afirst end of a fourth top rail 2.

Completing this illustration, one end of a fourth leg member 5 fitssecurely into the second end of the fourth leg stub 3, and the secondend of fourth leg member 5 fits securely into the second end of thefirst leg stub 3. One end of a fourth corner member 6 fits securely intothe second end of the fourth top rail 2, and the second end of fourthcorner member 6 fits securely into the second end of the first top rail2.

Different trampoline shapes may use a different total number of sidebarassemblies and corresponding leg members and corner members.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled trampoline framewith mat and padding installed. One end of springs 8 attach to sidebarassemblies 1. Typically, springs 8 vary in length from approximatelyfive inches (5″) to approximately ten and a quarter inches (10.25″),depending upon the desired use for the trampoline. Springs 8 aretypically extension springs made of metal, with attachment hooksdisposed on either end. Typically, the attachment hooks on one end ofsprings 8 fit into corresponding holes in sidebar assemblies 1. Theattachment hooks on the opposite end of springs 8 attach around theperimeter of a trampoline mat 7 of desired size and shape. Mat 7 may becomposed of any of a variety of materials or fabrics, typically chosenfor various performance characteristics, such as porosity to reduce airresistance, bounce, strength, and resilience to ultraviolet lightexposure.

Typically, the attachment hooks on the opposite end of springs 8 fitinto corresponding holes in the mat 7. Alternatively, clips forreceiving the attachment hooks of springs 8 encompass the perimeter ofmat 7. Perimeter stitching of mat 7 typically provides additionalstrength to prevent springs 8 from damaging the holes, or tearing awaythe clips, of mat 7. Variations on connecting springs to trampoline matsexist, such as the use of composite clips attached to the mat, with thesprings attaching to the composite clips. Pads 9 provide a safetyfeature typical on many trampolines. Pads 9 lie over springs 8,attaching to sidebar assemblies 1. Typically, pads 9 are attached tosidebar assemblies 1 by tying with tie straps or other suitabletechnique. Pads 9 typically cover most or all portions of the exposedhorizontal portion of the trampoline frame, sidebar assemblies 1 andcorners 6.

FIG. 3 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the sidebar assembly 1of the trampoline frame of the present invention. Sidebar assembly 1 hasa top rail 2 and leg stub 3. Top rail 2 is generally linear, orotherwise conforming to the desired shape of a portion of thecircumference of the trampoline. As illustrated, top rail 2 ispositioned as a pipe with horizontal ends. Leg stub 3 is generallylinear or conforming to the shape of the mid section of top rail 2. Theends of leg stub 3 bend away from the mid section of leg stub 3,preferably at approximately a ninety-degree angle. Leg stub 3 ispositioned generally parallel along the longitudinal axis and adjacentto top rail 2. Weld points 4 affix top rail 2 to leg stub 3, generallyalong the mid sections of top rail 2 and leg stub 3 where top rail 2 andleg stub 3 are generally linear or conforming in shape.

In a presently preferred embodiment, top rail 2 is affixed to leg stub 3at the same horizontal elevation, with ends of leg stub 3 extendingdownward, and leg stub 3 positioned to the exterior of the area to beenclosed by the trampoline frame. The ends of top rail 2 are shaped tofitably receive an end of corner member 6. The ends of leg stub 3 areshaped to fitably receive an end of leg member 5.

In the preferred embodiment, leg stub 3 is illustrated as a single,continuous pipe member. However, one or ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate that leg stub 3 may be broken into two or more pipemembers anywhere along the mid sections of top rail 2 and leg stub 3where top rail 2 and leg stub 3 are generally linear or conforming inshape.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of leg member 5 of the trampolineframe of the present invention. Each end of leg member 5 bends away fromthe general longitudinal axial direction of the mid section of legmember 5, preferably at an approximately ninety-degree angle. The endsof leg member 5 are shaped to fitably receive an end portion of leg stub3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of corner member 6 of the trampoline frame of thepresent invention. Corner member 6 may be generally conforming to theshape of a portion of the circumference of the trampoline between twoadjacent top rails 2. One end of a first corner member 6 fits securelyinto a first end of a first top rail 2 and the second end of firstcorner member 6 fits securely into a first end of a second top rail 2.Corner member 6 may have swaged ends 16 to effect greater ease infitting top rail 2 to corner member 6. Additionally, corner member 6 mayhave a setback hole 26, positioned approximately one inch (1″) from theattachment location of the corresponding end of top rail 2. Setback hole26 is used to attach a spring 8, providing a better alignment of the matsprings.

Typically, a trampoline according to the invention is assembled byconnecting a first leg member 5 to a first sidebar assembly 1. The firstleg member 5 is then connected to a second sidebar assembly 1.Additional leg members 5 are connected to the sidebar assemblies 1 untilthe last sidebar assembly 1 is connected to the first sidebar assembly1. Corner members 6 are connected to each pair of adjacent sidebarassemblies 1 until the last sidebar assembly 1 is connected to the firstsidebar assembly 1, completing assembly of the trampoline frame. A mat 7is loosely laid out within in interior of the frame. One or more springs8 are then attached about the perimeter of mat 7, such as near thecorners of a square or rectangular mat. Springs 8 are then attached totheir corresponding locations on the sidebar assemblies 1 or cornermembers 6. This places mat 7 in approximately the elevated horizontalposition. Additional springs 8 are connected to mat 7 and the sidebarassemblies 1, as needed. For a square or rectangular mat, the springscorresponding to one set of opposite ends are attached first, and thenthe springs corresponding to the other set of opposite ends areattached. Optionally, pads 9 may be attached to cover the springs.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this present invention. Persons skilled in the art willunderstand that the method and apparatus described herein may bepracticed, including but not limited to, by the embodiments described.Further, it should be understood that the invention is not to be undulylimited to the foregoing which has been set forth for illustrativepurposes. Various modifications and alternatives will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the true scope of theinvention, as defined in the following claims. While there has beenillustrated and described particular embodiments of the presentinvention, it will be appreciated that numerous changes andmodifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intendedin the appended claims to cover those changes and modifications whichfall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A trampoline frame comprising a plurality of sidebar assemblies, eachof said sidebar assemblies comprising: a top rail having a first end anda second end; a leg stub having a first end and a second end, wherein aportion of said leg stub is disposed parallel to the axial direction ofsaid top rail; and wherein said leg stub is affixed to said top rail atleast partially along said portion of said leg stub.
 2. The trampolineframe of claim 1, wherein at least one of said top rail and said legstub further comprises 11-gauge pipe material having an approximate0.220-inch wall thickness and an approximate 1.990-inch diameter.
 3. Thetrampoline frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of said top rail andsaid leg stub further comprises pipe material having a flash-coatedgalvanized exterior and a zinc-coated interior.
 4. The trampoline frameof claim 1, further comprising a rectangular mat.
 5. The trampolineframe of claim 1, further comprising a square mat.
 6. The trampolineframe of claim 1, further comprising a circular mat.
 7. A trampolinesystem comprising: a plurality of sidebar assemblies, wherein each ofsaid sidebar assemblies further comprises a top rail having a first endand a second end, and a leg stub having a first end and a second end;and a plurality of leg members, wherein each of said leg members furthercomprises a first end and a second end; wherein each of said first endof said leg members is attached to said first end of a first leg stub,and each of said second end of said leg members is attached to saidsecond end of a second leg stub; and wherein said first end of said toprail is connected to said second end of a second top rail.
 8. Thetrampoline system of claim 7, wherein a portion of said leg stub,disposed parallel to the axial direction of said top rail, is affixed tosaid top rail.
 9. The trampoline frame of claim 7, wherein said firstend of said top rail is connected to said second end of a second toprail using a plurality of corner members having a first end and a secondend, wherein said first end of the corner member is attached to saidfirst end of said top rail, and said second end of the corner member isattached to said second end of a second top rail.
 10. The trampolineframe of claim 9, wherein one or more of said corner members have swagedends.
 11. The trampoline frame of claim 9, wherein one or more of saidcorner members further comprise a setback hole positioned approximatelythree inches from each end of said corner member.
 12. The trampolineframe of claim 7, wherein at least one member selected from a groupincluding said top rail, said leg stub, and said leg member furthercomprises 11-gauge pipe material having an approximate 0.220-inch wallthickness and an approximate 1.990-inch diameter.
 13. The trampolineframe of claim 7, wherein at least one member selected from a groupincluding said top rail, said leg stub, and said leg member furthercomprises pipe material further comprises a flash-coated galvanizedexterior and a zinc-coated interior.
 14. The trampoline frame of claim7, further comprising a rectangular mat.
 15. The trampoline frame ofclaim 7, further comprising a square mat.
 16. The trampoline frame ofclaim 7, further comprising a circular mat.
 17. A trampoline framecomprising: a plurality of sidebar assemblies, each assembly comprising:a top rail having a first end and a second end; a leg stub having afirst end and a second end and a portion of said leg stub parallel tothe axial direction of said top rail; wherein said leg stub affixed tosaid top rail at least partially along said portion of said leg stub; aplurality of leg members, each member having a first end and a secondend; wherein each said first end of said leg members is attached to saidfirst end of a first leg stub and each said second end of said legmembers is attached to a said second end of a second leg stub; and aplurality of corner members, each corner member having a first end and asecond end; wherein each said first end of said top rails is attached toa said first end of a first corner member and each said second end ofsaid top rail is attached to a said second end of a second cornermember.
 18. The trampoline frame of claim 17, wherein said leg stub isaffixed to said top rail by welding said top rail to a portion of saidleg stub, wherein said portion is disposed approximately parallel to theaxial direction of said top rail.
 19. The trampoline frame of claim 17,wherein one or more of said corner members further comprises swagedends.
 20. The trampoline frame of claim 17, wherein said corner membersfurther comprise a setback hole positioned approximately three inchesfrom each end of said corner member.
 21. The trampoline frame of claim17, wherein at least one member selected from a group including said toprail, said leg stub, said corner member, and said leg member furthercomprises 11-gauge pipe material having an approximate 0.220-inch wallthickness and an approximate 1.990-inch diameter.
 22. The trampolineframe of claim 17, wherein at least one member selected from a groupincluding said top rail, said leg stub, said corner member, and said legmember further comprises pipe material having a flash-coated galvanizedexterior and a zinc coated interior.
 23. The trampoline frame of claim17, further comprising a rectangular mat.
 24. The trampoline frame ofclaim 17, further comprising a square mat.
 25. The trampoline frame ofclaim 17, further comprising a circular mat.
 26. A method ofconstructing a trampoline system having a plurality of sidebarassemblies, a plurality of leg members, and a plurality of cornermembers, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a first end ofeach of said leg members to a first sidebar assembly; connecting asecond end of each of said leg members to a second sidebar assembly,thereby connecting each pair of adjacent sidebar assemblies andconnecting the second sidebar assembly to the first sidebar assembly;connecting a first end of each of said corner members to a first sidebarassembly; connecting a second end of each of said corner members to asecond sidebar assembly, thereby securing each pair of adjacent sidebarassemblies and securing the second sidebar assembly to the first sidebarassembly; attaching a first end of each of a plurality of springs tosaid sidebar assemblies; and attaching a second end of each of aplurality of springs to a mat.